what is an industrial mechanic?
As an industrial mechanic, you perform repairs and maintenance on industrial machinery. Your duties range from reading diagrams and schematic drawings during installation to ensuring that the machinery has been installed properly. The ability to study and understand service manuals helps you determine precise work procedures when installing or maintaining equipment. You operate rigging equipment to move machinery and parts around the work site. You also use tools to fit bearings, connect belts, or attach and align motors.
Aside from installation tasks, you are responsible for keeping machines in perfect working condition. You perform routine maintenance and replace parts to minimize production downtimes. You repair and maintain various machines and equipment, including assembly line systems, conveyor belts and manufacturing machines. It's also important to adhere to safety regulations and protocols while on the job.
As an industrial mechanic, you work in manufacturing plants, factories and industrial facilities. You collaborate with engineers, maintenance staff, and production workers to ensure equipment and machinery function properly. Some industrial mechanics work in the field, travelling to customer sites to service machinery and equipment. You require good problem-solving skills to deal with problems and troubleshoot issues in machinery or industrial equipment.
Would working as an industrial mechanic suit your mechanical skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an industrial mechanic role.
industrial mechanic jobsaverage industrial mechanic salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of an industrial mechanic in Canada is $62,400 per year. That means you earn $32 per hour. When you are in an entry-level position, you earn a salary of $51,478 per year. With experience, you earn a higher salary of over $75,908 per year.
how to increase your earnings as an industrial mechanic
Your salary as an industrial mechanic depends on your experience and qualifications. When you are new to the role, you have minimal experience. As you improve your knowledge and expertise, your salary increases gradually. Certifications also affect your salary. Having trade certifications, such as a Red Seal endorsement, boosts your earning potential.
The size of the company you work for also influences your earnings. When you work in a small industry or factory, you handle less industrial equipment. Working in a large organization has a higher earning potential. Big companies have large industrial equipment and machinery, so you handle complex duties. Large organizations can also afford higher salaries due to the increased available resources.
types of industrial mechanics
As an industrial mechanic, you can specialize in different types of machinery or equipment. Some of the various types of industrial mechanics include:
- manufacturing industrial mechanics: your job is to maintain and repair machinery used in manufacturing. You operate and maintain various types of manufacturing equipment, including lathes, robotic systems and milling machines.
- conveyor system mechanics: as a conveyor system mechanic, you focus on maintaining or troubleshooting issues in conveyor systems and other material-handling machinery. You ensure that rollers, motors, sensors and belts function properly.
- power generation equipment mechanics: when you specialize in power generation equipment, you maintain and repair machinery used for power generation. You perform maintenance on the generators, boilers and turbines associated with power generation.
- pump and compressor mechanics: as a pump and compressor industrial mechanic, you focus on troubleshooting compressors, pumps and related equipment used in the fluid and gas industry. You also supervise the operation of industrial equipment to ensure its efficiency.
working as an industrial mechanic
Are you interested in working as an industrial mechanic? Let’s explore the specific tasks, work environments and career opportunities of industrial mechanics.
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what does an industrial mechanic do?
Some of the duties and responsibilities of an industrial mechanic include:
- planning routine maintenance: as an industrial mechanic, you plan routine maintenance for machinery and industrial equipment. You schedule maintenance based on the manufacturer’s instructions. You also conduct tasks like inspecting, cleaning and lubricating parts. Sometimes, you adjust components and check all the parts to ensure optimal performance and avoid breakdowns.
- troubleshooting and repairing machines: during routine maintenance, you identify issues that need repairs. When industrial equipment malfunctions, you use diagnostic tools to identify problems in the machinery. You read technical manuals to identify ways to resolve the problems. Repair duties involve replacing faulty parts and adjusting components to restore the equipment to working condition.
- assisting with installation or setup: as an industrial mechanic, you are involved in installing and setting up new machinery or equipment. Your job is to follow the manufacturer's technical specifications to ensure equipment parts are properly assembled and calibrated according to specifications. After installation, you inspect new machines to ensure they operate properly.
- adherence to safety procedures: as an industrial mechanic, you adhere to safety regulations and protocols. You also ensure industrial equipment is safe by checking for potential safety hazards and implementing safety features.
- writing maintenance reports: since you conduct routine maintenance on industrial equipment, you are expected to maintain accurate records. You write reports on the maintenance activities, parts replaced, or the repairs performed. You also document machine performance and downtimes.
- providing training and support to maintenance workers: as an industrial mechanic, you educate operators and factory workers on the safe operation of machinery. You conduct training sessions when new equipment is installed and ensure machine operators are familiar with the safety features.
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work environment of an industrial mechanic
Your workplace as an industrial mechanic depends on your industry and the specific machinery involved. When you work in manufacturing plants or factories, you work in close proximity to the machinery. The work setting can be noisy, and you stand for long hours while operating different machinery or performing maintenance schedules. Some industrial mechanics work in field service. You travel to the client's site to service equipment and machinery. You also visit farms, power plants or refineries to perform repairs and maintenance. Due to the nature of your role, you are expected to use protective equipment, including gloves, glasses and hearing protection.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your industry, you work alongside manufacturing engineers, maintenance technicians and industrial engineers. You also collaborate with mechanical engineers, maintenance supervisors and field service technicians. Other professionals you are likely to interact with include factory supervisors, industrial electricians and machine operators.
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industrial mechanic work schedule
As an industrial mechanic, you keep the same schedule as factory workers. If the factory works in shifts, then you will operate on a shift-based schedule, often working at night or early morning. In some companies, you work during regular business hours, only responding to emergencies outside business hours.
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career opportunities as an industrial mechanic
You start in a junior-level industrial mechanic role, and as you improve your knowledge, you move to higher positions in the company. Some industrial mechanics become industrial engineers or maintenance engineers. If you are interested in fieldwork, you can become a field service manager or maintenance manager.
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advantages of finding a job as an industrial mechanic through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- Always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- Many training opportunities
- A range of jobs in your area
industrial mechanic skills and education
As an industrial mechanic, you should meet the following educational requirements:
- apprenticeship: when you complete your secondary school education, join an apprenticeship program in millwrighting or industrial machinery repairs. The apprenticeship takes three to four years and combines coursework with on-the-job training.
- work experience and certification: completing the apprenticeship program makes you eligible for trade certification in your province. In Alberta, you can get a trade certification for industrial mechanics from Alberta Advanced Education's Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT), while in British Columbia, you receive certification from the Skilled Trades BC. Improve your career prospects with a Red Seal endorsement by completing the interprovincial examination.
competencies and characteristics of industrial mechanics
Some of the skills and qualities you require as an industrial mechanic include:
- communication skills: as an industrial mechanic, you need communication skills to work well with others. Your ability to communicate enables you to convey ideas and explain work procedures to other workers. You use your communication skills to reinforce stakeholders' expectations and inquire about designs or tools.
- active listening: as an industrial mechanic, it is important to have good listening skills. Your listening skills assist you in comprehending the complexity of the installation process. When you listen keenly, you understand instructions clearly.
- problem-solving skills: as an industrial mechanic, your job involves troubleshooting problems. Your problem-solving skills help you address problems creatively and tackle challenges associated with installation. Having diagnostic skills also helps you identify equipment issues and solutions.
- time management skills: as an industrial mechanic, you are expected to complete tasks efficiently and on time. Your time management skills help you handle repairs and maintenance tasks on time to avoid production downtime. You can also plan your repair and maintenance to avoid overlapping schedules.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an industrial mechanic.
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what are the duties of an industrial mechanic?
As an industrial mechanic, you install and set up the equipment and machinery used for manufacturing or production processes. You repair and replace broken or malfunctioning machinery components to ensure production runs smoothly. You use diagnostic tests and tools to detect minor problems and determine if major repairs are needed.
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is an industrial mechanic the same as a millwright?
While industrial mechanics and millwrights perform similar duties and work on-site at manufacturing or production plants, an industrial mechanic specializes in post-installation maintenance. Industrial mechanics are more concerned with repair and maintenance but can also install and set up equipment. A millwright is mostly engaged in the initial installation of an industrial plant.
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do industrial mechanics work in factories?
Yes. As an industrial mechanic, you work in manufacturing or production companies. You work in a factory or the maintenance department of a company, carrying out various installation and repair jobs.
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how much does an industrial mechanic make in Canada?
As an industrial mechanic, you take home an average salary of $62,400 per year. When you are new to the role, you start with a slightly lower salary of $51,478 per year. Earnings increase with experience; you can take home over $75,908 annually as a senior mechanic. Your earnings also fluctuate based on your area of specialization and the complexity of your duties.
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how hard is industrial mechanic work?
As an industrial mechanic, you require mechanical knowledge to handle repairs and maintenance duties. The role can be physically demanding since you lift heavy items, work in confined spaces and operate machinery. If you are physically fit and have manual dexterity, you will excel in the role.
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how do I find a job as an industrial mechanic?
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